Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Your literature review should be focused on the topic defined in your research question. It should be written in a logical, structured way and maintain an objective perspective and use a formal voice.
Outline
Create a Summary Table for themes and connecting ideas. Use the following guidelines to prepare an outline of the main points you want to make.
Synthesize previous research on the topic.
Aim to include both summary and synthesis.
Include literature that supports your research question as well as that which offers a different perspective.
Avoid relying on one author or publication too heavily.
Select an organizational structure, such as chronological, methodological, and thematic.
Structure
The three elements of a literature review are introduction, body, and conclusion.
Introduction
Define the topic of the literature review, including any terminology.
Introduce the central theme and organization of the literature review.
Summarize the state of research on the topic.
Frame the literature review with your research question.
Body
Focus on ways to have the body of literature tell its own story. Do not add your own interpretations at this point.
Look for patterns and find ways to tie the pieces together.
Summarize instead of quote.
Weave the points together rather than list summaries of each source.
Include the most important sources, not everything you have read.
Conclusion
Summarize the review of the literature.
Identify areas of further research on the topic.
Connect the review with your research.